While many-body information engines were previously analyzed theoretically for both classical [1]}, [2]}, [3]} and quantum setups [4]}, [5]}, [6]}, [7]}, most existing experimental realizations of information engines deal with single-particle systems.
Information engines are inherently out-of-equilibrium due to the application of measurement outcome-dependent feedback. In most of the literature on information engines, this is the sole mechanism that drives the engine away from equilibrium. Only very recently, information engines connected to a nonequilibrium environment [8]}, or an active working substance [9]}, were considered.
Here we report an experimental realization of an active many-particle Szilárd engine.
Our setup allows us to study how the presence of active matter changes the behavior of an information engine, and show that giant number fluctuations modify the information gained from measurements due to the tendency of active matter to aggregate.
